The Crossbow
Length of the short arm of the lever including its fork, 10 1/2 in.
This short arm is 5/8 in. wide, and 1/4 in. thick. Its fork is 3 3/8 in.
long and 1 5/8 in. wide, inside. It has a half-circular notch at the end
of each of its prongs. These notches fit against the bow-string when the
lever is applied to bend the bow, fig. 156.
The short arm is hinged to the long arm. It pivots between the jaws
of the block E (A, fig. 154, previous page, and fig. 155), which block
is part of the long arm.
Fig. 155. - The Lever Extended Ready for Use.
How to Work the Lever, Fig. 156, Opposite Page
1. Rest the butt of the crossbow on the ground a little in front of
the right foot, the stock being in an upright position.
2. Grasp the fore-end of the stock of the crossbow, near the fore-sight,
with the left hand.
3. Hook the recesses in the ends of the fork of the long arm of the
lever over the f in. metal pin which projects about ^ in. on each side
of the stock of the crossbow, in front of the bow, fig. 156.
4. Place the half-circular notches at the ends of the fork of the short
arm of the lever against the centre of the bow-string.
5. As you hold the fore-end of the stock tight in the left hand, push
with your right hand the handle of the long arm of the lever downwards
towards the ground.
This action will cause the short arm of the lever to force the bow-string
along the groove of the stock (fig. ,156), till it finally meets and is
safely secured by the catch of the lock. |